A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3 through March 7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 107
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1583)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-05T16:41:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 107) expresses support for designating the week of March 3 through March 7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It aims to highlight the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL)—skills like self-awareness, managing emotions, understanding others, building relationships, and making responsible decisions—in improving students' academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being, as well as supporting educators and families.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a preamble citing research on SEL's benefits, such as:
- Boosting academic achievement by an average of 11 percentile points.
- Enhancing students' ability to handle stress, improve attitudes toward school and others, and increase engagement (e.g., better grades, attendance, and homework completion).
- Providing a strong return on investment, with every dollar spent yielding about $11 in benefits, including reduced long-term societal costs like public assistance or involvement with police.
- Addressing post-COVID-19 challenges in mental health and behavior.
- Supporting educators by reducing burnout.
The core resolved actions are:
- Supporting the designation of "National Social and Emotional Learning Week."
- Recognizing SEL's role in promoting academic success, mental and behavioral health, and career readiness.
- Advocating for broader access to SEL programs for students and teachers.
- Encouraging U.S. citizens and Federal agencies to seek ways to promote SEL for the benefit of students, parents, educators, and communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of Senate support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May inspire Federal agencies (e.g., those involved in education and health) to integrate SEL into programs, potentially increasing funding or initiatives without mandating action.
- On citizens: Raises public awareness of SEL's benefits, encouraging schools, families, and communities to adopt related programs, which could improve student outcomes and mental health support.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic education and well-being.
Overall, the impacts are primarily educational and awareness-driven, with no immediate fiscal or regulatory effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and families: Primary beneficiaries, as SEL targets their academic, emotional, and developmental needs.
- Educators and schools: Supported through reduced burnout and better classroom tools, with 93% of parents in a survey viewing SEL as important.
- Federal agencies and policymakers: Encouraged to advance SEL, potentially influencing education policy.
- Communities and researchers: Highlights evidence from institutions like Yale, CDC, and Harvard, promoting broader societal benefits like lower public costs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force and requires no presidential approval; it cannot create laws or allocate funds.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy preferences but does not infringe on state education authority or individual rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties) for mental health and education initiatives post-COVID-19, potentially influencing future legislation on school programs without partisan controversy. It emphasizes evidence-based approaches, reinforcing SEL as a non-controversial tool for student success.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1583)
- 2025-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3 through March 7, 2025, as National Social and Emotional Learning Week to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families. — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (4 pages)